The Lagos state government has released the list of police officers undergoing trial for alleged human rights violations.

In a series of tweets on Friday, the government listed the names of 20 police officers involved in cases ranging from alleged manslaughter to murder and invited citizens to keep track of the prosecutions “in the overall public interest”.

Included in the list is Ogunyemi Olalekan, a police inspector involved in the killing of Kolade Johnson. He was dismissed from the force after he was found guilty in an orderly room trial.

On Monday, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of the state, set up a judicial panel of inquiry and restitution to investigate cases of human rights abuses by police officers. It has already commenced sitting.

On Thursday, the Lagos governor said the video footage of the shooting at Lekki tollgate will be submitted to the judicial panel.

“Today seems like a good day to get on to the work of rebuilding Lagos and ending police brutality. To show our commitment to the latter, here is a list of ongoing prosecution of police officers for offences related to the violation of human rights in Lagos,” Sanwo-Olu tweeted.

“1. State of Lagos v. 1. Insp. Surulere Irede 2. Sgt. Sunday Ogunyemi 3. Corp. Hezekiah Babatunde – Manslaughter. Adjourned to 13/11/2020. Justice Ogunsanya. The State of Lagos v. Ogunyemi Olalekan – Murder. Adjourned to 5/11/2020. Hon Justice Coker.

“3. State of Lagos v. Sgt. Gbanwuan Isaac – Grievous Bodily Harm. Set for arraignment. Justice Sholadoye. 4. State of Lagos v. Aminu Joseph – Murder. Adjournment date to be announced. Hon Justice Nicole Clay. 5. State of Lagos v. Sgt. Alechenu Benedict – Armed Robbery. Arraigned. Hon Justice Coker. 6. State of Lagos v. Sgt. Adebayo Abdullah – Involuntary Manslaughter. Adjourned to 28/11/2020. Hon Justice Coker.

“7. State of Lagos v. Insp. A Mohammed and 2 ORS – Armed Robbery. Adjourned to 10/11/2020. Hon Justice Sonaike. 8. State of Lagos v. Matthew Ohansi – Murder. Adjourned to 19/11/2020. 9. State of Lagos v. 1. Sgt. Segun Okun 2. Capt. Adekunle Oluwarotimi – Manslaughter and Attempted Murder. Last adjournment date 15/7/2020, Court to give next date. Hon Justice Nicole Clay.

“10. State of Lagos v. Adamu Dare – Murder. Last adjournment date 29/09/2020, Court to give next date. Hon Justice Nicole Clay. 11. State of Lagos v. Sgt. Mark Argo and 5 ORS – Conspiracy and Armed Robbery. Next adjournment date 18/11/2020. Hon Justice Nicole Clay. 12. State of Lagos v. Corp. Pepple Boma – Manslaughter. Court to give next date. Hon Justice Nicole Clay. 13. State of Lagos v. Insp. Emmanuel Akpobana – Attempted Murder. Court to give ruling date. Hon Justice Balogun.

“14. State of Lagos v. Emmanuel Uyankweke – Involuntary Manslaughter. Case part held. Hon Justice Akintoye. 15. State of Lagos v. Akanbi Lukmon – Involuntary Manslaughter. Information filed. 16. State of Lagos v. Edokhe Omokhide – Murder. Adjourned to 12/11/2020. Hon Justice Akinkigbe 17. State of Lagos v. Afolabi Saka – Murder. Newly filed. 18. State of Lagos v. Monday Gabriel – Murder. Newly filed. 19. State of Lagos v. Yahya Adeshina. Involuntary Manslaughter. Ready for filing. 20. State of Lagos v. Aremu Museliu – Murder. Ready for arraignment. Hon Justice Shonaike.”

By Taiwo Adebulu